The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has hailed a judgment by the High Court of Justice in Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State, which affirmed the constitutional right of Muslim female students to wear the hijab in public schools, including schools with missionary heritage.
Key Highlights:
The judgment, delivered by Justice Y. S. Adekunle, was described by MPAC as a significant victory for constitutional rights, religious freedom and the rule of law in Nigeria.
According to the organisation, the court ruled that the constitution guarantees Muslim schoolgirls the right to manifest their faith by wearing the hijab, stressing that no government policy, administrative directive or historical tradition can supersede constitutionally protected fundamental rights.
The court also directed the Oyo State government to issue an official circular permitting Muslim female students to wear the hijab in all public schools and restrained authorities from enforcing policies deemed inconsistent with the constitution.
Reacting to the judgment, MPAC said the ruling reinforces the principle that public schools owned and funded by the government must serve all citizens without discrimination based on religion, ethnicity or historical affiliation.
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The organisation noted that for years, Muslim students and their parents had faced discrimination, exclusion and prolonged legal battles over the use of the hijab in public schools.
It commended those affected for pursuing justice through the courts, rather than resorting to confrontation, describing the judgment as a vindication of their faith in the judicial process.
MPAC also praised the legal team that represented the Muslim students for its professionalism and commitment, while commending Justice Adekunle for what it described as a courageous and well-reasoned decision that strengthens public confidence in the judiciary.
Calling for calm, the organisation urged school administrators, education authorities, parents, religious leaders and other stakeholders to respect the judgment and ensure its peaceful implementation.
“This is not a victory of one religion over another,” MPAC stated.
“It is a victory for the constitution and for every Nigerian who believes that no citizen should suffer discrimination because of his or her religious beliefs.”
The organisation further appealed to the Oyo State government to comply fully and promptly with the court’s directives, stressing that obedience to court judgments is a constitutional obligation and an essential element of democratic governance.
While celebrating the judgment, MPAC expressed optimism ahead of the appeal in the International School Ibadan hijab case, scheduled for October 7, 2026.
It said it hopes the appellate court will further strengthen constitutional protection for religious freedom and equal citizenship.
Reaffirming its commitment to constitutional liberties, religious freedom, good governance and peaceful coexistence, MPAC urged Muslims celebrating the judgment to do so peacefully and responsibly, emphasizing that the ruling should inspire gratitude rather than triumphalism.
